Cognitive health is the cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing our ability to learn, adapt, and navigate life’s challenges. Quality cognitive health is essential for seniors—and everybody—to live a fulfilling life.
That’s why we invite you to join us at The Kensington Redondo Beach for an enlightening webinar “New Year’s Resolution: Protecting & Improving My Brain Health,” with special guest Dr. William Mansbach.
Dr. Mansbach is a leading expert on cognitive health, known for his groundbreaking work and comprehensive approach to brain health.
This event will focus on improving cognitive health and learning about Dr. Mansbach’s ‘15 for Me’ program designed to enhance cognitive functioning and reduce stress through simple, daily activities that take just 15 minutes a day.
RSVP here to join us virtually on January 24th, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. PST, in exploring these empowering strategies and continue reading to learn practical tips to support and improve your loved one’s cognitive health.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Causes and early signs of declining cognitive health
As we get older, natural changes in the brain can affect cognitive abilities. Each person’s brain age is unique to the individual—some may experience noticeable changes in memory while others retain their cognitive abilities well into later years.
Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on cognitive health, such as engaging in physical exercise, eating a nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, and getting enough mental stimulation.
Conversely, negative lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, and eating a poor diet can cause diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension which are linked to increased risk of cognitive decline.
Early warning signs of cognitive decline
The sooner you can recognize early signs of cognitive decline, the sooner you can be proactive in treating memory loss and prevent more serious conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Look for these common early signs of memory loss and cognitive decline:
- Memory lapses, such as forgetting recently learning information, important dates, or asking the same questions
- Challenges in problem-solving or planning, such as difficulties in following a plan or working with numbers
- Struggling with daily tasks that used to be easy
- Losing track of dates, seasons, time, and place
- Concerning changes in behavior, such as increased agitation, aggression, confusion, or anxiety
Proactive strategies for improving cognitive health and wellness
Improving cognitive health is a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simple remedies or quick fixes.
Improvement requires lifestyle changes to blend physical activities with balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and mental stimulation.
- Regular exercise is top of the list for boosting brain health. Activities such as walking, swimming, and participating in group exercises in community settings will improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of cognitive disorders.
- Nutrition, such as eating a Mediterranean diet rich in berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can make a significant difference in maintaining brain health.
- Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. The brain needs rest to repair and consolidate memories to retain cognitive function.
- Mental stimulation is key to keeping the mind sharp. Playing brain games and participating in social events provide essential mental stimulation to reduce feelings of isolation and improve mood to lower anxiety and depression.
How to measure cognitive health and track progress in brain training
Playing stimulating brain games and keeping track of progress can provide initial insights into a person’s cognitive health.
For example, brain games such as Lumosity and CogniFit are designed to challenge various parts of cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
These types of games provide feedback and track progress over time, making them a great resource for gauging mental agility.
In addition to brain game apps, traditional tracking methods such as using a daily journal can be beneficial.
Record daily activities, memory lapses, mood changes, and any new strategies to keep a record of brain health over extended periods. This practice will help identify patterns and areas needing improvement.
The ‘15 for Me’ program at The Kensington Redondo Beach
The ‘15 for Me’ program at The Kensington Redondo Beach, highlighted in our event, offers valuable insights for residents, caregivers, and even healthcare workers.
The program focuses on 15-minute daily activities that enhance cognitive health, making it a versatile tool for the entire care community.
This program provides practical strategies for mental stimulation and stress reduction, for both those receiving and providing care.
This event, featuring our special guest Dr. William Mansbach of CounterPoint Health Services, will offer insights into effective cognitive health management.
Participants at our upcoming event can expect to learn:
- Memory enhancement exercises to improve memory retention
- Stress reduction techniques to alleviate stress effectively
- Brain-boosting nutritional advice to support cognitive health
- Physical fitness routines that are enjoyable and enhance brain function and overall health
- Mindfulness practices to achieve mental clarity and focus
- Social engagement activities
- Brain games and puzzles
- Sleep hygiene tips to promote restful sleep
- Time management techniques to balance daily activities and reduce cognitive overload
- Relaxation methods like deep breathing and meditation to calm the mind
Protect cognitive health at The Kensington Redondo Beach
The Kensington Redondo Beach is an assisted living and memory care community dedicated to improving brain health.
Our commitment to brain health is showcased in our educational events that focus on strategies and insights for cognitive wellness by industry-leading experts.
The Kensington Redondo Beach proudly features two specialized memory care neighborhoods—Haven and Connections—designed to support individuals at all stages of memory loss, including those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological diseases.
Our communities are thoughtfully crafted to provide an “age-in-place” environment.
Reach out to The Kensington Redondo Beach today to schedule a tour or get more information on joining the Kensington family.